Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains in soft streaks, falling across the sketchpads still resting on the coffee table. The apartment smelled faintly of lavender from the candle they'd forgotten to snuff out the night before, and there was the sound of quiet traffic humming far below.
Zephany stood by the small kitchen counter, barefoot, a blanket draped over her shoulders. She cradled a warm mug in her hands, eyes still soft with sleep. Across the room, Kendrick knelt by the window, unlatching it to let in the morning breeze. He turned, catching her gaze.
"Too early?" he asked, voice rough with sleep.
She shook her head. "No. It's… nice like this."
He padded toward her and leaned in, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "Want to take the day slowly?"
She sipped her coffee, then offered it to him without answering. He took a small sip and handed it back, lips curling in a faint smile.
